The pair are life partners and business co-owners of the PlantHouse store on the corner of Richmond Road and Surrey Crescent in Grey Lynn.
David Hartnell asked them about their lives and business.
Tell us what your job is?
We own an indoor plant nursery but you might be more familiar with our brands Live Décor Plant Hire and our new PlantHouse store in Grey Lynn. It’s unique in that we propagate and grow NZ’s largest range of indoor plants ourselves so our customers skip past layers in the typical supply chain as well as get a better selection and price. We grow large grades, rarities, new varieties and all-time classics.
The best thing about Ponsonby?
It’s easily Auckland’s best strip of shops and restaurants, day or night.
How have you survived the pandemic?
The lockdowns have been hugely disruptive to Auckland and Northland in particular. However, one silver lining of everyone being at home for so long has been the resurgence in interest in house plants and gardening and we wouldn’t be where we are without this support.
Favourite TV series?
You can’t beat the ‘humour' in 'Kath & Kim'. It’s nice, it’s different, it’s unusual. ‘Sopranos' and 'Breaking Bad' lead for the serious side.
Your bucket list?
Swim with whales, breed an awesome new plant variety, sit on a Greek island eating taramasalata.
The most Kiwi thing about you?
Kumara is my all-time favourite vegetable.
Best day of your life to date?
We think of amazing events that have happened over the years that slide into the core memory pile – going to Coachella, seeing Prince live, swimming with manta rays in Hawaii.
What job would you do other than your own?
A dog walking business would be hard to surpass. You’re outdoors having fun and training a pack of cute idiots.
If they made a movie about your lives, who would play you?
Dale – Ryan Reynolds has a very similar look to me. Sam – Idris Elba for the same reason.
The last thing you bought that you regretted?
Every printer I have ever purchased has induced a unique combination of rage and disappointment.
Reincarnated, what would you be?
The dog of a Ponsonby villa owner.
How would you like to be remembered?
Hard working, entrepreneurial and loved a chat.
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
Conversation pits and sunken lounges in homes.
Something that you really disapprove of?
When people play loud music at the beach. I want to hear the sound of waves, not your taste in sound waves.
What motivates you?
Chasing freedom. There’s usually some sort of holiday being planned in the future as a ‘carrot' and the ‘stick’ is the fear of having to go work a regular job for someone else. We have a long-term plan so we know how to direct our efforts and include rewards along the way. That in itself is really motivating.
Give your teenaged self some advice?
Just give it a go… it might not work, but you learned something.
Which item of clothing can't you live without?
Sam – my day is ruined (and squinty) if I forget my sunglasses. Dale – my wardrobe went from Working Style in Auckland in my previous life, now to fully elasticated workwear for comfort.
Most treasured possession?
Our border collie Poppy, but she’s more of a flatmate than a possession.
What superpower do you wish you had?
We love to travel, so flying would save money and time.
What cliché do you hate?
Any time "It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is inserted into conversation.
What gizmo can you not live without?
Our espresso machine.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Double trouble. Don’t even need the third word.
Travel light or heavy? Light, but inevitably heavy by the end of the trip.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
Construction of a resilient highway connecting Warkworth to the Bay of Islands in time for NZ's 2040 bicentenary at Waitangi. It's the most dangerous stretch of road in the country’s fastest growing region and was in a real state of disrepair before last summer’s rain and Cyclone Gabrielle. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
planthouse.co.nz
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Published: November 2023